If you're not looking to pursue a specific ice skating sport (figure skating, dance, ice hockey, etc.) and are simply looking for a pair of skates, you can choose from any style based simply on what you find easiest to skate in. Many people try both types of skate listed on this site before deciding - and we may be able to help you! Just contact us for more information.

	Figure Skates	Ice Hockey Skates
Boot construction	Leather or soft plastic	Hard plastic
Boot stiffness	From flexible to stiff (rated 10-100), but recreational skates tend to be softer (rated 10-40)	Stiff (rated over 100)
Blade width	3.8 / 4mm for recreational	3mm
Blade toe	Toe pick	Curved just in front of the toe
Blade heel	Straight tail extending behind the foot	Curved by the heel
Blade primary profile (curvature)	7 or 8 foot (curvier)	10 or 11 foot (flatter)

 

A few key points to consider:

• The toe pick should not be used to push the skater forward; this is vital for proper skating technique. It's main use is for starting rotations when jumping
• The toe pick and tail of a figure skate provides a little additional support for those struggling with balance, but should not be relied on in the long term
• The flatter, thinner blade of a hockey skate enables a fast, very manoeuvrable skating experience
• The curved front and back of a hockey skate enables sharp turns and fast acceleration
  
• Those with weak ankles should choose a stiffer skate for support, though this can hold skaters back when taking lessons

All skates have padding inside, and the level and materials used in the construction of the padding improves with more expensive skates.

In addition, more expensive skates are able to be "thermoformed" or "baked" - this process temporarily softens the shell of the skate to be formed around the skaters foot, lessening the need for padding and providing a more comfortable fit.

Resizable Skates

Parents often believe that they will be saving money in the long term by buying resizable skates - that is, where the boot can be lengthened.

While for recreational skates this may be true, it's a significant issue for those taking skating lessons.

One of the main dynamics to be aware of is the positioning of the foot over the blade:

• Your heel should always be positioned at the back of the boot.
• The blade, being curved, should be centered under the foot
• For figure skating blades, the position of the front "spin rocker" and toe-pick should be closely aligned to the ball of the toe and front of the toes respectively

With resizable skates on their smallest setting, the blade will be too long relative to the foot for some skating techniques.

When you resize boots, your foot will naturally change position over the blade.

Therefore it's my recommendation not to use resizable skates for lessons, but invest in a pair of skates that are appropriately sized.